17 Things You Learn When You Realize You Deserve Better

There is a realization that every woman has at least once in her life that inspires her to learn, grow and love herself—the realization that she deserves better. Whatever the situation, be it an emotionally unavailable significant other, a fair-weather friend or an internship or job that fails to recognize your worth, the realization that you deserve better is an integral part in your self-happiness. When you realize you deserve better, you learn to forgive, move on, love yourself and find the happiness in your life you’ve been missing.

1. You’ll understand everyone in your life serves a purpose—the one who made you realize you deserve better was a lesson

So there’s no use in hanging on to “what ifs” and “could have beens." Once you realize you deserve better, you’ll begin to understand the purpose each person plays in your life. Some are meant to stay, and some are meant to teach you valuable lessons and then depart. It's not your choice which ones are which.

2. You’ll learn the importance of self-realization, or realizing for yourself that you deserve better

The first step in attaining self-worth is realizing when you’re in a situation that isn’t advantageous to you in any way. Once you realize you deserve better, you strive for better and attain better.

3. You’ll realize time is the most precious asset you have, so don’t waste it on someone who plays games

Your time should be viewed as invaluable, and once you realize you deserve better, you’ll understand the importance of genuinity, getting straight to the point and not wasting your time or mental capacity chasing after someone or something you don’t deserve.

5. You’ll be confused why you ever put up with certain situations in the first place

Once you realize you deserve better, you’ll look back at all the times you settled for worse.

6. You’ll learn to stop making excuses for people

Because hollow promises and empty excuses just don’t cut it anymore.

7. You’ll learn to stop being petty and start understanding the importance of moving on

Because being petty is a waste of your own mental energy.

8. You’ll probably remember your friends told you so

They were right, and you probably ignored them, and they’re probably going to tell you “I told you so,” but just know that they mean well.

9. While you’re at it, you’ll probably realize your mom was right

Pro tip: she always is.

10. You’ll learn the importance of letting go of past insecurities

They’ll haunt you if you let them—just know you are more than your insecurities.

11. You’ll learn to hold yourself to a higher standard

Because you’ll stop settling for less, and won’t ever be satisfied until you get what you truly deserve.

12. You’ll learn that being happy is more important than seeking revenge

Revenge does not equate to happiness because revenge is external and happiness is internal. Once you are truly happy with yourself, you no longer seek revenge, and instead forgive—for your own sake, because you deserve it.

13. You’ll understand the difference between giving up and moving on

Because there is a difference—don’t feel as though you need to stay in a situation out of fear of “giving up,” there are no losers or quitters when trying to improve your quality of life.

14. You’ll learn to stop comparing yourself to other people and situations that don’t apply to you

Because when you realize you deserve better, you realize you’re not going to get that “better” by competing and comparing.

15. You’ll understand that everything in life happens for a reason, and what is not meant for you will never be yours

So stop stressing about it, and understand that when you realize you deserve better, and hold yourself to that standard, your life will dramatically improve, and slowly everything will work out in the end.

16. You’ll realize your self-worth does not decrease based on someone else’s inability to see your value

Your past does not define you or your value, and you do not need someone else do validate your worth.

17 You’ll realize no one will ever love you like you love you—and that’s okay

You’re kind of stuck with yourself forever, may as well love yourself.

Hannah is a Public Relations graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University with an affinity for blogging, food, culture and learning about the world. She has a serious case of wanderlust and hopes to one day work for a lifestyle and PR firm, as well as publish books and documentaries focusing on leisure and travel. To read more of her work, check out her own personal blog at www.thinkingbrave.com or her personal portfolio at clippings.me/hannahkhan